Men's Hockey: BU at UNH, Dec. 6, 2012Playing their first game in nearly six years as the No. 1-ranked team in the country, the University of New Hampshire Wildcats fell into an early hole, never quite recovered and dropped a 3-2 decision to No. 7 Boston University in front of a sellout crowd of 6,501 at the Whittemore Center on Thursday night.

University of New Hampshire goalie Casey DeSmith, of Rochester, makes a leg save on Boston University's Evan Rodrigues during the second period of their Hockey East match up at the Whittemore Center in Durham Thursday evening. (Mark Bolton/Union Leader)

University of New Hampshire goalie Casey DeSmith, of Rochester, watches as Boston University's Matt Nieto looks for the puck during the first period of their Hockey East match up at the Whittemore Center in Durham Thursday evening. (Mark Bolton/Union Leader)

University of New Hampshire's John Henrion goes up and over Boston University's Evan Rodrigues along the boards during the second period of their Hockey East match up at the Whittemore Center in Durham Thursday evening. (Mark Bolton/Union Leader)

University of New Hampshire Nick Sorkin collides with Boston University goalie Matt Connor during the second period of their Hockey East match up at the Whittemore Center in Durham Thursday evening. (Mark Bolton/Union Leader)

University of New Hampshire's Kevin Goumas, facing, and Nick Sorkin, celebrate Goumas' goal vs. Boston University during the second period of their Hockey East match up at the Whittemore Center in Durham Thursday evening. (Mark Bolton/Union Leader)

University of New Hampshire's Casey Thrush(19) is tripped up by Boston University's Garrett Noonan, right, in front of Boston University goalie Matt Connor during the second period of their Hockey East match up at the Whittemore Center in Durham Thursday evening. (Mark Bolton/Union Leader)

University of New Hampshire's Collin MacDonald falls to the ice after being hit by Boston University's Ben Rosen during the first period of their Hockey East match up at the Whittemore Center in Durham Thursday evening. (Mark Bolton/Union Leader)

University of New Hampshire coach Dick Umile watches during the second period against Boston Univertsity during their Hockey East match up at the Whittemore Center in Durham Thursday evening. (Mark Bolton/Union Leader)

University of New Hampshire's Grayson Downing misses a break away opportunity on Boston University goalie Matt Connor during the first period of their Hockey East match up at the Whittemore Center in Durham Thursday evening. (Mark Bolton/Union Leader)

University of New Hampshire's Grayson Downing, left, goes in on Boston University's Alexx Privitera along the boards during the first period of their Hockey East match up at the Whittemore Center in Durham Thursday evening. (Mark Bolton/Union Leader)

University of New Hampshire goalie Casey DeSmith, of Rochester, watches his save deflect away in front of Boston University's Sean Escobedo during the first period of their Hockey East match up at the Whittemore Center in Durham Thursday evening. (Mark Bolton/Union Leader)